Historic Railway Disasters
Fourth, updated, edition
There is a peculiar fascination about the study of accidents of any kind. Few amongst us fail to derive some form of thrill from the situation of high drama which results in a catastrophe, even though many lives may be lost; and in the study of railway accidents the human element is prominent, whether in breaches of regulations, in the clash of personalities, in tragedy at the scene of an accident or in the dedication shown by those seeking to avert disaster or assist those affected.
As with previous editions, this revised work considers not only the most spectacular and catastrophic accidents but also those which illustrate the principles involved and were far-reaching in their outcome. This of course must be true of modern accidents because so few result in loss of life, or even serious injury: modern coaching stock was instrumental in saving lives after the 80mph derailment at Morpeth in 1984, where there were no fatalities. How many would have died had this been a 19th century accident?
Basil Cooper has thoroughly revised and updated this new edition of O. S. Nock's classic study, and included accounts and analysis of over a dozen new accidents, including the Morpeth, Paddington and Pitlochry derailments, the Warrington and Summit Tunnel oil tanker fires, the Taunton sleeping car fire, the Invergowrie collision and the Polmont disaster.
Hardback with dust jacket, 270 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good/Very Good
ISBN: 9780711017528
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